Recipes, Medicine Making & Plant Wisdom Now that we've introduced our November Herb of the Month, let's dive deeper into the wonderful world of Tulsi! I'm excited to share more recipes, some fascinating plant facts, and how you can make your own herbal medicines with this sacred herb. Understanding How Tulsi Works Tulsi is what we call an adaptogen—a special class of herbs that help your body adapt to stress and find balance. The magic happens through compounds called eugenol, rosmarinic acid, and ursolic acid. These work together to: - Lower cortisol (your stress hormone) - Support healthy inflammation response - Protect your cells from oxidative stress - Help regulate blood sugar naturally - Support your immune system's natural defenses What's really beautiful about Tulsi is that it's both calming AND energizing—it won't make you drowsy like some relaxing herbs, but instead helps you feel centered and clear. More Delicious Tulsi Recipes Golden Tulsi Latte - 1 cup plant milk of choice - 1 tsp dried tulsi (or 2 tsp fresh) - ½ tsp turmeric - ¼ tsp cinnamon - Pinch of black pepper - Honey to taste Simmer all ingredients for 5 minutes, strain, and enjoy this warming, anti-inflammatory treat. Tulsi Honey Syrup (perfect for coughs) - 1 cup water - ½ cup dried tulsi - ½ cup raw honey Simmer tulsi in water for 15 minutes, strain, then stir in honey while warm. Take 1-2 teaspoons as needed for throat comfort. Refreshing Tulsi Iced Tea - 4 cups water - ¼ cup dried tulsi - 2 tbsp fresh mint - Juice of 1 lemon - Stevia or honey to taste Steep herbs in hot water for 20 minutes, strain, add lemon and sweetener, then chill. Perfect for hot days! Making Your Own Tulsi Tincture Want to make your own concentrated Tulsi medicine? Here's how: Fresh Plant Tincture (1:2 ratio) - Fill a jar ⅔ full with fresh tulsi leaves and flowers - Cover completely with 95% alcohol (like Everclear) - Label with date and herb - Shake daily for 4-6 weeks - Strain and store in dark bottles